The inspiration for this knitalong is Pam Allen and Ann Budd's Lace Style, a new book about knitting lace with 21 inspired patterns from some of the country's most talented and inventive knitwear designers. Members of this KAL are encouraged to share their own creative versions of the patterns as well as their tips and suggestions for yarn substitions. We hope these patterns will give you new ways to think about knitting lace.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

After my initial apathy about the book, I have come to love Lace Style! I just finished my first (and not my last) project from the book. I used Malabrigo in the Molly colorway. The pattern calls for size 8, 9, 10, and 10.5 needles, but I ended up using 8, 9, 10, and 11's (because I didn't have any 10.5's). I knitted the 38" size, and I'm SO glad I did. The other sizes would have been way too long (I'm only about 5'4"). The entire thing only used up about one and a half skeins of the Malabrigo, so I actually have some left over! The back section of the neck ribbing gave me some trouble. I ended up frogging it three or four times before I got my act together and got it right. It wasn't a pattern error at all - it was purely user error. In the end, I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I loved knitting the lace pattern, and if I'd really had time to sit and work on it, this shrug would have been knit in no time. I highly recommend it for someone wanting to try lace knitting for the first time. More pictures on my blog.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Hi I started this shrug about a week ago and it is a really quick knit. It's for my mom on Mother's Day so I've been working on it every spare moment. I hope to get my internet back up soon so I can post pictures of my progress.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

I'm Sooo excited! My very first blogging experience...what better way to start than knitting lace with other lace lovers!! I have had the book since the day it came out and have spent many glorious weeks looking at the pictures and actually reading the patterns(I'm thinking that maybe I'm not supposed to admit to that last one?) I have decided which pattern to knit first at least a dozen times...oh the joys of choice!

I actually started the Lily of the Valley shawl, alas, after about 2 inches, and an equal number of weeks, I must start over. The amount I have learned about lace knitting in general has been worth it though. I started my lovely project with some truly stunning yarn...the kind that you can sit and pet for hours while dreaming of its perfection wrapped around your shoulders and the covetous glances from others. Then reality came crashing down around my shoulders instead of a glorious shawl....the perfect yarn and the perfect pattern did not go together...'how could this be??'

I have learned that most lace patterns call for 'lace weight' yarn but there are varying weights of lace weight. I think the yarn I was using is closer to a cobweb type lace weight, hence too light for a lily of the valley pattern. I think my next attempt will be Misti Alpaca lace. Oh, what was the beautiful and superb yarn I first used? Artyarn Mohair/Silk in an incredible variegated icycle green.

The needles are calling so I must go. Can't wait to hear from you all.Namaste

Just wanted to say hello. I will knit the lacy waves top from atelier citron kokon. I have ordered the yarn at my LYS, but it hasn't arrived, yet. You can find my blog at http://www.myblog.de/mindfulknitting

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

I'm so happy to be member of this kal, I received my book yesterday! As a matter of fact, I heard the mailman, went to the door and found this on the doorstep (lol, in a package, of course!)! My husband had surprised me by ordering it after he saw me looking through it in a yarn shop when we were out of town a couple of weeks ago! He's sweet like that!Oh my, I was looking through the book at the dr.'s office today and I can't decide where to begin! Everything is so lovely!I am LOVING all of your projects, too!Happy Lace Knitting Everyone!BeckaLOL, you know....I think I may do the wimple first...but I have been known to change my mind, LOL!

I'm so happy to be a part of this blog! I got the book yesterday and I'm taking it with me to the Dodger game tonight to decide on a project; they are all SO exquisite, every one of them is unique challenge that will enhance/impact any wardrobe. I really like the Katherine Hepburn Cardigan (both lengths), Tailored Scallops and the Ooh La Lace Dress; maybe the Great Garbo Garden Hat for my mother (talk about dramatic effect)!

Monday, April 2, 2007

I set myself weekly knitting goals so that I can manage my ongoing knitting projects. One of my usual goals is to "Knit a swatch from a yarn you love" which usually satisfies my need to start new projects.

However, the swatch I knit last week has mysteriously grown into a sleeve for Tailored Scallops....

I'm using Elann's Uros Aran yarn in Oxblood, a lovely dark wine color. It's 50/50 wool and llama so it should be very warm despite the lacy feather and fan pattern!